At just 12 years old, Jaylen Bledsoe wasn’t like most kids his age. While many of his peers were focused on schoolwork and hobbies, Bledsoe was already laying the groundwork for what would become a multimillion-dollar business. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he grew up in a single-parent household and faced significant challenges. Yet, his curiosity and passion for technology led him to teach himself coding, web design, and IT skills.
In 2012, Bledsoe founded Bledsoe Technologies, an IT consulting company. What began as a small venture quickly gained momentum, and by the time he was 15 years old, the company had grown substantially, reaching a valuation of $3.5 million by 2013. Specializing in website design, IT consulting, and digital strategy, Bledsoe Technologies attracted a wide range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, making Bledsoe a millionaire before he even finished high school.
His rise to success didn’t come without challenges. Balancing his education with the demands of running a growing company wasn’t easy, and as a young Black entrepreneur in the tech world, Bledsoe had to work twice as hard to prove his worth in an industry dominated by seasoned professionals. Despite these obstacles, his determination remained unshaken. He surrounded himself with mentors and learned from their expertise, allowing him to grow both personally and professionally.
Bledsoe’s story resonated with many, and he soon became a sought-after speaker, sharing his experiences and offering inspiration to young people. However, Bledsoe’s ambitions went beyond personal success—he wanted to give back by helping others discover their potential, just as he had.
Now, Bledsoe is channeling his entrepreneurial spirit into a new venture: Young Entrepreneur University. This program, designed for teenagers, aims to teach students the fundamentals of building a business while encouraging them to think about innovation and problem-solving. The program’s digital curriculum will offer online courses that provide practical insights into entrepreneurship, from creating a business plan to scaling operations.
“It’s more like crafting young people in our society to be entrepreneurs,” Bledsoe said. “Entrepreneurship is a hot topic right now for young college students trying to find their way, but that’s the youngest age in which efforts extend to. If I can use my story to motivate, inspire and push a young person who may be lost in life, then that’s my purpose.”
Bledsoe sees a gap in how entrepreneurship is typically introduced. While college students are often encouraged to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, he believes that young teens are an overlooked demographic. His goal with Young Entrepreneur University is to engage students at an earlier stage in their development, fostering the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in business.
Through Bledsoe Technologies and his new initiative, Bledsoe aims to empower young people to think big and embrace the possibilities that come with entrepreneurship. His vision is to build a generation of future leaders who, like him, won’t be limited by their age, background, or circumstances.
Bledsoe’s story is more than a tale of financial success; it’s about resilience, vision, and the power of believing in one’s own potential. From humble beginnings in St. Louis to advising Fortune 500 companies, Bledsoe has defied expectations and built a legacy that is both inspiring and impactful.
As he prepares to launch Young Entrepreneur University, Bledsoe’s influence is set to expand even further, helping shape the next wave of young innovators. His journey is a powerful reminder that with hard work, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible.
